The LA Dodgers Are Playing Moneyball…with unlimited funds! After winning the World Series against the Yankees last year, the Dodgers strengthened their already strong roster. Their spending has created a wave of tension among the fans and other teams, but here’s a twist to the story: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and several analysts are also drawing attention to less ambitious team owners who prefer to keep their wallets shut.

Considering how the Dodgers are signing big cheques, the principle is simple: if you have the money, spend it. They are holding up to $1.3 billion in deferred payments. The Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a ten-year, $700 million deal, reinforcing their commitment to building a competitive team. Ever since, the message has been loud and clear if a strong roaster starts investing smartly, which everyone seems to be supporting.

The stance taken by Manfred on a recent training media day makes the whole scenario interesting, and the MLB analysts agree with it. Manfred said, “If I’m going to be critical of something, it’s not going to be the Dodgers. It’s going to be the system.” In the wake of the comment, many people have rallied to express their support, while some are still grappling with uncertainty. Recently, SportsNet LA noted that “the Dodgers are playing by the rules.”

Analysts are criticizing other team owners for mismanaging funds and failing to invest in their rosters. If the system allows teams to create superteams, why aren’t more owners taking advantage of it?

The Dodgers’ spending spree: A commitment to winning

The LA Dodgers are not just throwing money around but making smart investments. The 10-year, $700 million contract with Shohei Ohtani is a definitive statement of their relentless pursuit of dominance in the sport. Not only are they making strides locally, but they are also broadening their reach to global markets. Be it in LA or Japan, Ohtani’s stardom thrives, and the Dodgers games will be showcased there. This growing interest has led to the formation of fan clubs similar to those seen with top European soccer teams.

The opening games have yet to start, and the Dodgers are expected to allocate around $500 million for payroll, benefits, and luxury taxes. Team management confidently supports this decision and has addressed the media without hesitation. Team President & CEO Stan Kasten said, “Really good when there is one team beloved by their fans, who come out in record numbers, leading all of baseball in attendance, while that same team can be hated and lead baseball in road attendance.” He believes that this approach is “really good for baseball.”

The Dodgers’ investment is not solely about acquiring Shohei Ohtani. It’s a strategic commitment to enhancing their roster with top-tier talent. They have signed another Japanese pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, to a 12-year, $325 million deal. The LA Dodgers aren’t done here—they have secured another ace for their roster. Tyler Glasnow has signed a five-year contract extension worth $136.5 million. Renowned for his strikeout ability and breaking pitches, he remains one of baseball’s most gifted pitchers.

Now, the rotation is filled with some of the power hitters like Cy Young, Tanner Scott, and Teoscar Hernández. Will they reclaim the crown in 2025? The list of investments is not limited to Major League teams; the Dodgers have also significantly invested in securing top Japanese talent in the Minor Leagues—Roki Sasaki to a $6.5 million contract, winning the offseason bidding war.

The Dodgers’ bold investment is not the problem. It’s a call for change, urging owners to invest in their teams. The real question is: Will other owners accept the challenge, or will they prioritize profit over competition?